International conference for women empowers female researchers

The 4th International Conference for Women in Science without Borders held in Brazil has enthused female academics at the University of Limpopo (UL) to advance in their respective research niche areas.

The three-day event, hosted at the Brazilian Academy of Sciences in Rio De Janeiro last month, aimed to bring together female and male researchers in an environment of diversity to think about sustainable development.

Scholars from around the world converged to participate in oral presentations, round tables and poster sessions on various topics related to the main theme – Energy, Water, Health, Agriculture and Environment for Sustainable Development.

Prof Singh, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Partnerships who led the UL delegates, said: “The conference was crucial for it inspired, motivated and prepared the university’s female researchers to make and leave their mark in their niche areas of research.

She further noted that “it was an eye-opener as we experienced what women across the world are doing in terms of research and their contribution to making the world a better place. It generated great ideas on mentorship, grant funding and international collaborations.”

Prof Singh said they were going to invite women scientists to collaborate with the university on ongoing projects such as the “Immunological role of Gut Microbiome among patients with breast cancer and its relation to Anthropometry” as well as “The gender gap in mathematics and the natural sciences.”

Acknowledging the benefits of the conference, another delagete from UL, Prof Satsope Maoto: Executive Dean (Faculty of Humanities) said they wish to sustain the linkages (collaborations they have established) by inviting some of the women scientists as guest speakers at the Faculty of Humanities Spring Lectures in 2021.

Another UL delegate, Prof Saraswathie Govender, said the conference was a stepping stone towards approaching research through staying focused on one’s niche area. “We are grateful to the university for providing us with such opportunities for advancing the work of female researchers at this institution,” she said.

As an upcoming researcher, Livhuwani Muthelo was upbeat that she was able to discuss opportunities for collaborations with other young scientists, particularly the niche area of occupational health and safety during the conference.

Source: https://www.ul.ac.za/index.php?Entity=c_news&TheS=524